is 6' x 12' trailer sufficient?

Hey all,

Hoping to chase down a 74' Maverick next weekend and looking at borrowing my boss' truck/trailer. The trailer is plenty heavy, but 6' x 12' is smaller than trailers I've used in the past. No motor or trans, so we will be using the come-a-long to pull it up (don't have to try and get out of car after on trailer).

I found a site linked here that shows the width will be very close and the trailer ramps will need removed after loading, as the car would stick off the back of the trailer a ways. Appears the rear tires should comfortably? be on the trailer, but I don't know how much to allow for the front bumper. There is a tool box on this trailer that will not allow the bumper to hang over the front rail of the trailer. Floors have been cut out where rusted, but the frame is supposedly still solid. V-8 car with front disc brakes and heavier rear, w/ clear title. I'll have nearly as much in the haul (roughly 600 miles, meals, etc.), as the car if it works out.









All helpful comments welcome.

Chris

 

I think that might be cutting it close. Why not try to find a tow dolly for the day. Do a local rental through your U-haul. That would be a lot less to pull and no worries with car not fitting the trailer.

Matt

 

I agree with the tow dolly, what if you get there and car wont fit and does the trailer have dual axles it would probably be a white knuckle trip even if it does fit.

Car appears as though you better be prepared to put a lot of time and money in it

 

Hey Matt,

I've thought about that, but my concerns are as follows:

1) I'm cheap, $150 for a dolly, $180 for a trailer (U Haul)
2) Not confident about rear car tires if using the dolly
3) I can handle a trailer well, the only other time I dollied, backing anything other than straight back seemed out of the question.

I'm figuring three days as I can stay with family in Saint Louis (5.5 hrs), out and back to St. Louis w/ car (10-12 hours), home from St. Louis on day three.

Thanks for the comments, any thoughts on the car?

Yellow - yes, dual axle trailer, heavy hitch, just a small floor. As to a lot of work, yes. I figure we would rebuild a 302 and find a suitable transmission. Rewire, etc. And then have to address body/paint. I've got access to the car in my avatar with the small bumper parts, etc. We aren't building a show car, but want a fun daily driver for my son. I'm hoping $3,000 and a lot of labor gets us a good start.

My son turned 14 in January, planning on a father/son project.

Chris

 

How far back are the axles from the center of the trailer.
With the engine and trans out, the car will be tail heavy. Not being able to get the cars wait bias more on the front of the trailer, you will get trailer wipp.

 

Hi Chris:
Just my opinion .. If you transport this car without having the proper means of doing so and ANYTHING happens like a car falling off on the highway ..Some airhead driving into the back of your rig ..Blowouts on the Trailer .. Or even being ticketed for hauling an Unsafe Vehicle .. any saving will be ' out the window ' . If you can't find a proper trailer, OR tow - dolly to do the job I'd give it a pass . Why risk it ??
Maybe you can find a friend that HAS a proper trailer, give it a day or two and see what you can develop .
Cometized
(Chip)

 

In my opinion, form the pictures you posted.....that car is a rust bucket. Not worth driving that far for a rust bucket.

 

And NO WAY would I tow a car on a 12' trailer. NO WAY.

 

You will need a larger trailer than a 6x12.

600 miles is a pretty good haul even with the proper sized trailer.

Totally agree!

I wouldn't want to tow one locally with a 12 foot trailer; much less 600 miles!

 

You might want to check the Comet ad in Reno, NV posted here on forum. Looks to be in much better shape than what I am looking at on the pic's here. Why, do a rust bucket, when something better may be available? It still needs quite-a-bit of work. I agree on the prior post, on the 12' trailer -- dangerous endeavor.

 

I vote pass on the trailer and the car...JMO

 

Even if you are not aiming for the " perfect" car, all the time and $ you spend on it will yeild much less value than if you start with something better. Lol....as if I can talk!

 

spork101,

Here's a pic of the trailer, not that I expect opinions to change. Axles towards rear, short length would be a nuisance, but doable.

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o39/treestine/IMG_2183_zpsqtpdblgs.jpg

Chris

 

way too small of a trailer and way too far for that car and WAAAAAAY too much rust spend a little more money for a complete car closer possibly one that will drive home.

dont rush to find one. slow down and find a solid one for the same $$

by the time you start repairing it youll be deeper in than you would buying a solid driver